AIE Students Shine at WorldSkills 2023
Published on: October 3, 2023
AIE students Star and Jacques represented AIE at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, held August 17 to 19 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The competition requires each participant to work independently, demonstrating their expertise in 3D Art and Animation with the following criteria:
- Crafting an organic 3D asset with meticulously detailed PBR (Physically based rendering) textures.
- Designing a hard surface 3D asset while maintaining the highest standards of PBR texturing.
- Implementing minor animations to breathe life into the organic asset.
The Results Are In!
So, would you like to know what the outcome of the competition is? Well, wait no longer – the exciting results are in! Repeat this is not a drill!
Drumroll, please! We are ecstatic to announce that Star Van Wageningen seized the spotlight and secured the well-deserved 2nd place in the fiercely competitive 3D Art and Animation category. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Jacques Roberts wowed the judges and claimed the impressive 3rd place in the same category. How about that for a double dose of talent?
The two stars indicated that AIE played a pivotal role in nurturing their talents and providing them with the tools and knowledge to excel in their field. But it was the students’ hard work, determination and boundless talent that secured these amazing achievements.
Interview with Star and Jacques
Can you share your experience of competing in the World Skills Australia National Championship?
Star: It was a very intense couple of days, but I enjoyed the environment of the competition and the opportunity to meet new people in my won and various other skill groups.
Jacques: The competition was a super busy 3 days with an equally busy lead-up. It took a bunch of dedication and practice to get to where we were in the competition and overall, I’m very proud of our results.
What strategies did you use that you believe contributed to your success?
Star: Many of the tasks that were asked of us were similar to previous assignments we had during out course but in tighter timeframes. I think it also helped to know where to put more effort on certain parts of tasks.
Jacques: Luckily the competition required specific skills from us that we have been honing over our past 2 years of study, and it was just a matter of applying them practically in the competition setting.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Star: I’d like to thank my teacher, Sam Mummery, for helping me prepare for the competition. He was a massive help in the lead up. Also, to Frank Farfalla for also being a strong support and picking me to represent the school.
Jacques: I’d like to thank my teacher Harry Ridgeway, my mentors Kellie Lautier and Sam Mummery, and Frank Farfalla for granting us this incredible opportunity in the first place.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at the World Skills Australia National Championships?
Star: WorldSkills Australia 2023 has helped develop and flourish many skills that I know will be useful later in my career. Although I still have a long way to go in terms of continuing my studies, I can now look back and appreciate just how far I’ve come and the accomplishments I’ve made along the way. It’s also opened up other opportunities and pathways for me to pursue in the future.
Jacques: WorldSkills Australia 2023 has been an incredibly valuable and rewarding opportunity that has affected my life in unexpected ways. More than anything, it has been a platform where I have been able to display myself and my work in ways I never have before, and I would recommend it to be a goal for anyone to strive for.
A Bright Future Beckons
As Star and Jacques bask in the glory of their well-deserved victories, they also look ahead to the future. The skills they’ve honed, the lessons they’ve learned, and the experiences they’ve gained at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships will undoubtedly benefit their future careers and educational pursuits.
The excitement doesn’t stop with their glorious medals! These 2 fierce competitors might have to start shopping for berets soon as they are now applying to see if they can compete in World Skills Australia’s International Competition, held in France! If their application is successful, these champions will be flown to Lyon, France on 10–15 September 2024, where they will battle it out against 84 member countries to compete – not just for AIE, but for Australia!
AIE Made Proud
For AIE, having 2 of its students representing the school at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships was already something that made all of their peers proud. Then, to clinch 2 of the top positions is not just a matter of participation – it’s a demonstration of Star and Jacques’ passion and strength of character. These exceptional young talents have set the bar high and inspire others in the world of 3D Art and Animation.
Once again, congratulations to Star and Jacques for their remarkable achievements. You’ve made us all proud!
